Fledgling label Carbonized Records, led by Mortuous drummer Chad Gailey, have announced their debut release – a seven inch split with fellow Californians Scolex. What the listener should prepare themselves for is some old school death metal worship. With an obvious love of Autopsy, Mortuous also throw in a bit of Incantation whereas Scolex prefer the Entombed school of death metal. This, then, should be a split seven inch that should whet your appetite for future releases from both bands.
First we have Scolex’s “Black Pyramid Ritual” which starts off with a Bolt Thrower type riffs. When drummer/vocalist Justin Green steps in with his deathly growls, there is also an early Swedish/Entombed vibe emanating from these speakers, which, if you all know me, is a sure-fire way of making me happy. For the most part, this song is of the slow to mid-paced variety until we are at 2.30 where the pace picks up somewhat – this will no doubt get the pit started in the live environment. We get Autopsy-style solos, backed by Erika Osterhout on bass who certainly knows how to add style to this song, culminating in a sure fire winner for any death metal fan. The essence of death and doom metal is prevalent throughout this track and relies on brute strength and power to keep the listener interested – and interested is certainly what I am in their future endeavours.
With Mortuous and their song “Desiccated”, I was definitely getting the early Incantation feel with the deathly growls which tinged on the more brutal death metal variety on occasion. One thing I love in bands is having more than one vocalist and this band has two, with both guitarists – Colin and Mike – sharing vocal duties. I really do think this adds variety and class to any song and this is no different. There are a number of time changes, ranging from slow doom deathy parts to short blast beats which again adds variety with the end result having me pressing the repeat button on many occasion. Drummer Chad and bassist Clint have formed a steady partnership for the last few years now, and are accomplished musicians.
Both tracks were recorded at Earhammer Studios at various times which adds the feeling of old school death metal to the sound. This is an ideal starting point for someone who wants to listen to old school death metal and will surely result in the listener wanting to find out more about the bands. I know for certain that I surely will.
Scolex/Mortuous spilt is out now
